Why in the News?

Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest storm to hit Shanghai in 75 years, swept across China's east coast, forcing millions to stay indoors. The storm downed trees and disrupted transport, prompting the city to mobilize thousands of relief and rescue workers in the Lingang area of Shanghai's Pudong District, China. Bebinca is the most powerful typhoon since 1949.

Typhoon Bebinca

• It is the 13th typhoon to hit China this year.
• Wind Speed: Maximum wind force near its center reached 42 meters per second (151 km/h or 94 mph).
• Over 414,000 people were relocated from the city of Shanghai, home to over 25 million residents.
• Intensity: The strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since Typhoon Gloria in 1949.
• All flights at Shanghai's two main airports are grounded, ferry services and some trains have been suspended.

Typhoon

• A type of tropical cyclone that occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly between the 100th and 180th meridians, typically forming over warm ocean waters.
• Difference
  • Typhoon: Refers to tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific.
  • Hurricane: Refers to tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Northeast Pacific, and central Pacific.
  • Cyclone: Refers to tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.
• It typically forms between May and October, but they can occur year-round. The peak of the season is in August and September.
• Stages
  • Tropical Depression: Wind speeds below 62 km/h (38 mph).
  • Tropical Storm: Wind speeds between 63-118 km/h (39-73 mph).
  • Typhoon: Wind speeds above 119 km/h (74 mph), with categories from 1 to 5 based on intensity.
• Prone Areas: Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam.